A nurse is discussing the differences between skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?
Clients with skin traction have more mobility than those with skeletal traction.
Clients with skin traction have more discomfort than those with skeletal traction.
Skeletal traction is more appropriate than skin traction for reducing a fracture.
Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Skin traction is indeed less restrictive than skeletal traction, allowing for more mobility. It is applied using bandages or adhesive material to the skin, which can be removed or adjusted more easily than the pins or screws used in skeletal traction. This type of traction is typically used for short-term treatment before surgery or when the injury is less severe.
Choice B reason:
Discomfort levels can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the traction. However, skin traction is generally considered to be less painful than skeletal traction because it is less invasive and applies less force. Skeletal traction, which involves the insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, is likely to cause more discomfort due to the invasive nature of the procedure.
Choice C reason:
Skeletal traction is more appropriate for reducing fractures, especially in cases where a greater force is needed to align the bones. It involves the surgical insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, allowing for a stronger and more stable pull that is necessary for the realignment of complex fractures.
Choice D reason:
Skeletal traction carries a higher risk of infection compared to skin traction because it is more invasive. The insertion of pins or wires into the bone creates a potential entry point for bacteria, which can lead to infection at the site of insertion.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While gargling with warm saline can provide symptomatic relief for a sore throat, it does not address the underlying bacterial infection. Therefore, it is not the priority action once a diagnosis of group A streptococcus has been confirmed.
Choice B reason:
Identifying close contacts is important for public health tracking and potentially preventing the spread of the infection. However, the immediate priority for the client is the initiation of treatment to address the infection.
Choice C reason:
Taking antipyretics can help manage fever and provide comfort to the client. While managing symptoms is important, it is secondary to initiating antibiotic therapy, which addresses the cause of the symptoms.
Choice D reason:
The priority action is to notify the client to return to the clinic for initiation of antibiotic therapy. Group A streptococcus is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics for treatment. Prompt initiation of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications and promote recovery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Ecchymosis, or bruising, of the surrounding skin is a common finding associated with fractures due to the trauma to blood vessels in the area. While it can indicate bleeding or injury, ecchymosis itself does not specifically indicate impaired venous return.
Choice B reason:
Acute pain is a typical symptom following a fracture and results from the injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. Pain is an expected finding and does not directly suggest an issue with venous return.
Choice C reason:
A bounding distal pulse may actually suggest increased arterial flow or could be a sign of other conditions such as high blood pressure or fever. It does not indicate impaired venous return, which is typically characterized by a lack of pulse or a very weak pulse.
Choice D reason:
Increasing edema, or swelling, in the affected arm is a sign of impaired venous return. When veins are unable to effectively return blood to the heart, fluid can accumulate in the tissues, leading to edema. In the context of a fracture, this could be due to compression or damage to the veins, which can impede blood flow and result in swelling.
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